Me and my brother went there, 2 days before we flew out to Zante in 1994. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I also have a book given out on The Ends 10th birthday which is a coffee table book but still good. We do have to move on though and surely there are opportunities for a new generation of people who want to create new nightclub venues, with fresh ideas. Memories of its glamorous showbiz past as one of the places to be seen in London in the 1980s echo around through the wall of this beautiful piece of architecture. In the past 15 years, some of best-loved venues of the London club scene have shut their doors, for reasons ranging from crime to gentrification and Crossrail. Madonna, Bjork and Kate Moss all turned up over the years and versions of Trade popped up in Ibiza, New York and LA. Anyone who is anyone has DJd there over the years (as the endless MoS series of album releases testifies), including Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong and Armand Van Helden. circa 1990. Sat 30 May 2020 17.00BST Ive loved reading ur write up about the old clubs and the memories came flooding back with the pics!! If the Mayor grants planning permission for a huge development of flats opposite Ministry of Sound, club bosses know their days at the Elephant & Castle bus depot cum internationally renowned temple of DJ culture will be numbered. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Nice article Tom, brought back some memories. Bagatelle Card Club - One of Colonel Sebastian Moran's clubs in the Sherlock Holmes story The Adventure of the Empty House. It makes me feel quite sad how our communities are being transformed into bland faceless environments in some cases. The gay scene in London has always been centred around the West End, especially Soho. I half remember a night at Bagleys sitting in an ice cream fridge next to the dancefloor. The Walkabout bar closed after its parent company went into administration in October 2009. In 2018 it was bought by chain The Deltic Group and given a. Fabric is the Only venue to stick to its principles avoiding putting in any old rubbish that draws a crowd. But at least theres still Visions Video Bar. Losing those places feels like losing a family member never to return. The club was also hugely important for the capitals LGBT scene, hosting sellout weekly bonanza G-A-Y, known for getting stars as bright as Kylie and Britney on stage, as well as for dropping balloons on everyone at regular intervals. London's night-time economy is estimated to contribute 17-26.bn in . Despite a big campaign to save it, the club fell victim to a compulsory purchase order from Hackney council to build a new cinema. Ive worked in Turnmills from 1996 right to the very last night in 2008. The place was a really important hub for the fledgling dubstep family, says 6Music DJ Mary Anne Hobbs, who went to FWD>> religiously in the mid-2000s. The Astoria, Soho1976-2009Not even Londons largest live music club could stand in the way of the Crossrail development. The street was home to the 1980s Batcave nightclub where regulars such as Robert Smith, Marc Almond and Alice Coop. Plus I think Friction was there for a bit to. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news in London sent straight to your inbox? 13. Ok, its technically a pub and Im not sure if we were going there in 90s. Didnt boy george have a residency there? The plan was to go up there, see someone and come back. Doesnt seem that long now. And some ex-boxer DJ? Shelves in the loos. I remember Bagleys that was a long time ago. Anyone have a time machine so I can attend the all night Cox party or a Laurent Garnier night. Great article. George Michael often arrived at the nightclub accompanied by a woman before he came out as gay. LuvDup were djing (one of them fell over on the stage), Princess Julia was stood by the decks dancing. RM 2HTCTTN - Ace Cinema, Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, Harrow, London, 1983. Over the next few pages, we show you whats become of these former nightlife hotspots, and pay tribute to the glorious madness they once hosted. When record producer and DJ Paul Oakenfold went to Ibiza in 1985 to celebrate his birthday, he hired a villa and invited then-unknown DJs Nicky Holloway, Pete Tong and Danny Rampling. The Norman-style Welsh Chapel was built in 1888 by James Cubitt for inner London's Welsh community and was empty for 15 years before it found new life as nightclub Limelight. Great article. According to its owners, the time felt right to move on. London Boys singles chronology. He looked down at me, then to my brother, we both leant forward in unison, looked at each other, as if to say Have you seen this, dude? and then back up at him. Our journalists cover all the news you need - from City Hall to your local streets, so you'll never miss a moment. Stealth on a Thursday night, marvellous http://wharferj.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/stealth-the-blue-note/ Sadly, the chances of mere mortals gaining access to the club today are about as likely as Keith Moon making an appearance and he died in 1978. it probably was ha ! R&B Clubs And Events In London. You can head back to a mate's house and lounge with a cold one until your party mood completely fades, but what if you still have itchy feet and the urge to dance? Great memories though. Even Prince Charles has been to the Limelight club - he was snapped getting out of the royal car as he arrived to attend a reception for the Prince's Trust at the venue in December 1997. Top 5 Lost London Nightclubs of the 90s Former DJ Magazine Deputy Editor Tom Kihl investigates what happened to the clubs that once dominated London's nightlife By Tom Kihl March 1, 2013 T his week, Boris Johnson has been considering a decision that will affect the future of London's most famous nightclub. Now can you expand on one for the rest of London please, would love to see Club UK brought back to life if only in words! Excellent piece Tom. Remember one night trying to adjust the needles for them not to jump on the vinyls. It was the trend-setting precursor to London's super clubs, and transformed the terrain of LGBTQ clubbing in the capital. Now, as then, this is still the party spot for the rich and privileged, with a fair smattering of showbiz excess included. Velvet Rooms on Mondays was one of the only places to continue getting even more spangled Wicked. There are new plans to take the building into the future - but we really miss how it used to be. In one fell swoop, however, the Cross, Canvas and the Key were culled in favour of the regeneration of Kings Cross. I used to be the membership girl at Freedom. Finally closing after 18 years in 2008, Trade never again found a permanent home as Turnmills itself was demolished; the site is now home to the most anonymous possible looking corner office block. The historic venue, which hosted game-changing concerts from the likes of Oasis, Manic Street Preachers and Nirvana, was bulldozed in 2009 to make room for a bigger ticket hall at Tottenham Court Road tube station. The clientele these days is more likely to include the sons and daughters of sheiks and potentates quaffing Cristal and dancing to mainstream RnB but the restaurant area (yes, this is one of those kinds of nightclubs) still sees the odd A-lister float by when theyre in town. The Astor Club was a nightclub which operated in Mayfair, London from the 1930s to the late 1970s. Before and during the Second World War, most lesbian bars and clubs were found in central London. 2021-2023 - Luxury London. There were a couple of years I was there 8 nights out of the Christmas/ New Year season. The End and AKA, West End1995-2009A venue that just seemed to stick in the hearts of all who frequented it, the End was an intimate basement club run by Mr C and Layo, tucked just behind High Holborn. What is the Cross Book? It was like a small amphitheatre with the DJ the absolute centre of attraction, he says. There are now just 1,733 venues compared with 3,144 in 2005 and in the last 10 years London has lost 10 top clubs. The West End night spot was based in a former chapel on Shaftsbury Avenue until its popularity declined and sadly, it was sold on and converted into a bar. I lost my marbles in all of these places in the 90s. I Did the lighting and laser systems at turnmills for many different promoters. Great article. A linchpin in London's dubstep scene, it was a shock for bass-loving partiers when the Shoreditch venue announced its sudden closure in 2015. In 2010 a group which was known for squatting in large homes and embassies moved into the the building. I (just about) have wonderful memories of all 5 of those venues. Lots of good memories but it was living on borrowed time even back then in the early 00s. Trying to find your mates Velvet Rooms, Soho1993-2003Ibiza party man Nicky Holloway kickstarted this central London club originally named Velvet Underground after his previous project, Milk Bar, lost its lease. Unfortunately, I cant say I experienced all of them. Sir Bob Geldof had his stag do at Limelight before he married Paula Yates in 1986. Real friendships were made, some that lasted a few hours and some, decades. Great article Tom. I would work a ten hour shift at a newspaper then drive to Bagleys to spend 5/6 hours talking to ravers, taking photos of people, checking they werent eating their tongues and giving out free condoms (Durex sponsors had given us hundreds of boxes of the things). The reality of the Swinging Sixties was that about 45 people were having an incredible time around Carnaby Street while the rest of the country continued drinking stout in working mens clubs and listening to Val Doonican. The End & AKA were a true second home. Punters at The Bubble Club, The Que Club, 1996. The demise of seminal clubs like Shelleys In Stoke, Quadrant Park in Liverpool and Coventrys Eclipse should also be documented. Slightly off topic but I fear for the Camden Brewery bars license once the new posh flats open at Talacre. Nice article that has brought back some wonderful memories. But sadly it never recovered from the initial closure and was put up for sale in 2010. The award-winning print and online title Kentishtowner was founded in 2010 and is part of London Belongs To Me, a citywide network of travel guides for locals. Ive had experiences at all of these nightclub venues and brought back many memories reading your article. When the lease ran out, Turnmills left amicably, leaving the buildings owners to develop the site into an office block. Sorry the plaque should be pale blue with a Dove on it. But in London most places turf revellers out well before 4am and there's a severe lack of "after hour" options. Limelight in Atlanta was also a place to see and spot celebrities over the years. But Crossrail was the final nail in the coffin for the much-loved Soho venue. We need a new visionary. These cookies do not store any personal information. I couldnt do it now, but I so glad I did it all then. I have one precious copy, sadly. He was about 50 years old and massive. It didnt last long though. Proud2, Greenwich 2011-2012Following the closure of Matter, Alex Proud became the next investor to have a go at making a nightclub at the O2 work. Four Aces, Dalston1966-1998In what was, ostensibly, a simpler time for Dalston, the Four Aces was the areas flagship club. Throughout the 90s and 00s the venue attracted party-lovers from far and wide and also played host to a number of big-name acts. Nowadays the capital's former red light district is swanky. It was the image I had in my head before we got there of what Heaven might be like and then this guy walked in. 18. Happy days. Wow. Thanks Liam. A dominant hair design was de rigueur. House night Freedom ran at the club for years and Philip Sallons Mud Club also took place there, as well as the Pussy Posse Party, which included mud-wrestling. Simon brought the three nights that were being run at Sublime, Beatfix, Cargo and Voodoo and moved its DJs (including Peewee Ferris, Nik Fish, Craig Obey, Bexta and Kate Monroe) into Home's Friday night. I used to do the guest list at Freedom! We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Turnmills, Clerkenwell1990-2008Another one of Londons fossilised superclubs, Turnmills was the first venue in the UK to get a 24-hour dance licence. The sound shaft and heaven where legendary , as was the London Astoria, Fascinating to read about the origins and teams behind such monumental moments in Londons clubbing history. Mass and Babalou, Brixton1996-2012Bearing in mind this pair of venues were hosted within Brixtons St Matthews Church, which leased the space to them, it was always pretty cheeky for Mass to host Torture Garden events in the crypt. Its the perfect lunchtime read. The pictures are quite shocking, but their club history often deliciously more so. 3 books with local connections, Two cultural winter highlights: La Maupin and LuYang, 3 things to consider: Makers Market, New Wine Bar and Live Jazz, Leigh Hunt and the secret history of 13 Mortimer Terrace NW5, Its 10 years since Fields Beneath, Camden Brewery, The Grafton and Pizza East opened, The Parakeet, Kentish Town: what you need to know, The Parakeet Kentish Town: ex-Brat chef in the kitchen, A beginners guide to.Harringay Green Lanes. Those that were there will never forget and those that werent would wish they were if they knew. The single was written and produced by Ralf Ren Mau, and its cover artwork features . Nice read Scary thought that Ive actually worked at all of them!!! October 2018 the anonymous landlord of the former chapel won planning approval from Westminster council to upscale the venue into a major performance venue on the West End's arts scene with a restaurant and basement bar, run by Stone Nest. hope youre well? We had amazing nights, including joint parties with labrynth and raindance. Peter Gatien's daughter Jen Gatien made a documentary called Limelight in 2011, about New York City night life in the 1990s and the rise and fall of her father's club empire. Peter Gatien is mentioned in the lyrics of three songs: 17. Its also a shame to lose 93 Feet East recently too. surprised Heaven isnt in thereas well as SoundshaftGood article though! Good to see http://givingupdrugsforlent.tumblr.com/ in full swing again this year. . Ch N. Katz In Brick Lane was a small string and paper bag supplier until the late 1990's. Rising rents forced out the Owner after 57 years. And while theres nothing worse than the club bore going on about how the music and the parties were so much better back in the day, we should give these classic institutions more reverence. Reminded me of my mis-spent but highly pleasurable youth on the dance floors of a London. For me it was just a little bit over a year that I lived in London. For a year or so, this was an explosion of androgyny, increasingly bizarre and fabulous homemade fashion and lashings of clunky, proto synths. Because of the sleazy, druggy, mischievous late night vibe (exactly what makes such haunts so exciting), we tend to reduce their cultural significance. The regulars often spent hours preparing for the night, and the morning the night morphed into. Great article and very sad reading. thanks for the article, spent many crazy nights/days in all of these places, Velvet Underground aside. club uk was awesome, so was the complex, leisure lounge, the cross, turnmills, home in leciester square, camden palace, ku club in leicester square.. All gone I was there though so the memories stay ! But in the 1990s it was plagued by bad publicity and following a drug-related . But many of the places that clubbers flocked to every weekend in their thousands in the post-Criminal Justice Act heyday are being erased from todays landscape. 051. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Gilles Petterson on Monday, Kenny Hawkes and Luke Solomon on Wednesday, Bryan Gee on Thursday, Garage City on Saturday. Great article Tom. http://www.amazon.co.uk/CROSS-1993-2003-Jonathan-CUTTING/dp/B0010786KI. Surely he must be out by now. MoS is an institution, still respected by much of the dance music cognoscenti but derided in many quarters for having long since become the Bluewater of nightclubs; mostly now populated by coach parties from Essex. But I will never forget the fabulous nights and camaraderie that I shared with friends and total strangers whilst waving my hands in the air like I just didnt care x, I met my husband at The Cross in 2004, now happily married with kids. Herbal, Shoreditch2000-2009It was small (and sweaty) but Herbal consistently pounded out some of the best drum and bass in the capital, filling out every Sunday for Grooveriders seminal night, Grace, as well as regularly hosting the likes of Goldie and the Metalheadz crew. In the 1990s, the scene reverted back to Soho, revitalised by new style bars like The Village. Copyright 2023 London Belongs To Me Ltd|All Rights Reserved|More info: With your agreement, we and our partners (click on 'Find Out More' below for a list) use cookies or similar technologies to store, access, and process personal data like your visit on this website, IP addresses and cookie identifiers. It later became the Cat's Whiskers club, the Ritzy then Caesars Nightclub. Today, bar the indefatigable fabric, its secret warehouse parties all the way invariably cold, austere and over crowded, with awful sound and non existent facilities (one toilet between 500, anyone?) Where to find the February issue of Kentishtowner, Where to find the January 2019 issue of Kentishtowner, Where to find the December issue of Kentishtowner, http://www.amazon.co.uk/CROSS-1993-2003-Jonathan-CUTTING/dp/B0010786KI, http://wharferj.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/stealth-the-blue-note/. Arts charity Stone Nest began to restore and redevelop the former chapel into flexible performance space for theatre, dance, music, video and performance art in 2012. Its industrial settings and position in the centre of London made it a unique offering. It was 2 for a beer which was great value at the time. 9. 11. Maggie's, 329 Fulham Road, SW10 9QL, maggies-club.com The Jazz Caf 5 Parkway Every Saturday night, the Jazz Caf hosts I Love the 80s v I Love the 90s, a retro night combining all the best bits of. The immovable object of the London clubbing scene. Cramming into clubs packed with big hair, booze and pounding music was a rite of passage in the 1980s and into the 1990s. The demise of so many iconic spaces, proper clubs, remains a tragedy for a city that still considers itself a capital of European partying. A single noise complaint from posh new residents would threaten their licence and spell the end of one of the last remaining superclubs from the 1990s dance music explosion. Its sad though, as these were truly iconic clubs I am not from UK, but had a chance to party in Turnmills and The Fridge at their best times I felt everyone is equal kind of things there. These might have often been dank, crumbling, smelly old places, but they are where countless people enjoyed some of the most intense and vital moments of their lives. The works. SeOne, London Bridge2002-2010It was billed as Londons biggest nightclub, a 3,000-capacity venue set in a vast set of arches beneath London Bridge station, known for big-name Saturday nighters as well as regular Moondance raves. Great article, had some great and messy nights at most of them. But we've been getting all nostalgic and wishing we could have a final drink at Limelight. Great article. It was hip long before Shoreditch was, and paved the way for the plethora of nightlife venues that have popped up in the area since. Turnmills building being totally destroyed is the ultimate, inexcusable vandalism though. magazine. It is quite sad seeing a place that holds so many memories for whatever reasons e.g. Cue acid house, bucket hats, baggy T-shirts and lots of sweat. You'll get 12 stories straight to your inbox at around 12pm. The venue reopened as Electric Brixton the following year, but as owner Andrew Czezowski told the South London Press when it was put up for sale: Whoever buys it, if they buy it, they are only getting bricks and mortar., Cable, London Bridge2009-2013This cavernous 1,300-capacity club, located beneath the railway arches of London Bridge station, was as renowned among clubbers for its airport-style security as for its bass-heavy parties and rapid rise as a significant dance music brand. Black Sheep Bar, Croydon. Limelight in London was one of a string of Limelight clubs owned by Canadian Peter Gatien - other Limelight clubs in the chain were in Hallandale in Florida, Atlanta, Chicago and New York City. The exterior of Hammersmith Palais nightclub in 1968 when it was still known as Hammersmith Palais de Danse . Gaz ran a weekly night there from. Mike Nolan from Bucks Fizz appeared at the club in 1997, and boy band D.V.S and singing star Caprice also made memorable appearances. Hes right. To order the clip clean and high res visit http://www.kinolibrary.com. how about PLEASED on a wednesday at the Velvet underground !!! Big small club! Then of course there was The Fridge, Studio 33, and some fantastic railway arch clubs buried away around London (Imperial Rooms in Camberwell New Road a particular memory). Great article. 1. Behind the clubs infamous pitch-black curtains, the dance floor was like the vortex that drew you bodily and consciously into a completely free space. Its really not surprising nobody has any sense of ownership or love for these places, because both promoters and punters are using them on such an ad hoc basis. Fantastic times. Reading this article has caused me new inspiration watch out London. The Soul City nights in Covent Garden were also really good. Oh, the most impressive handlebar tash I have ever seen on a Man. It closed in 2010 to make way for housing, flats and a theatre, in a high street regeneration scheme. Taking Ecstasy for the first time and experiencing the euphoria of the blissed out Balearic beats at Space nightclub, Oakenfold and his wife Jenni came home and tried to re-create it in a 300 capacity basement gym on Southwark Street. Great article. 12. The Whirlitzer seating in The Cross Garden Home. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.